Kendrick Lamar, a titan of contemporary hip-hop, continues to assert his formidable presence on the Billboard charts, with two distinct tracks—the potent solo anthem “Not Like Us” and his collaborative hit “30 for 30” featuring SZA—recently making significant re-entries onto various streaming tallies. This dual resurgence underscores Lamar’s enduring influence and the diverse avenues through which his music captivates audiences, from high-stakes lyrical battles to synergistic album rollouts. His pervasive command over the R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs chart is particularly noteworthy, with five of his tracks collectively seizing a remarkable 20% of the list, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the music industry.
The Unprecedented Impact of ‘Not Like Us’
“Not Like Us” stands as a monumental achievement in recent music history, born from the intense, highly publicized lyrical conflict between Kendrick Lamar and fellow rap superstar Drake. Released in May 2024 as a direct response in their fiery exchange, the track almost immediately made a historic splash. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable feat given its late release within the tracking week. The song shattered streaming records, becoming the fastest rap song to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify in just nine days. Furthermore, it set the all-time record for the biggest single-day streams for a solo hip-hop song in U.S. Spotify history, logging an astonishing 11 million streams on a single day.
The track’s initial success was just the beginning of its impressive run. “Not Like Us” later reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 2024, marking Lamar’s first solo Hot 100 entry to spend multiple weeks atop the chart. Its staying power is unparalleled, extending its record as the longest-running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, holding the top position for 25 weeks as of November 2024. Most recently, it achieved another historic milestone, becoming the longest-charting rap song ever on the Billboard Hot 100, logging an astounding 53 consecutive weeks.
The renewed surge of “Not Like Us” can be largely attributed to significant cultural moments, particularly Lamar’s “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends” Juneteenth concert in July 2024 and the subsequent release of the song’s official visuals. These events reignited public interest and streaming activity, showcasing the track’s profound cultural resonance beyond its initial viral moment. While Drake’s company, Frozen Moments LLC, controversially accused Universal Music Group and Spotify of artificially inflating “Not Like Us” streams, Universal Music Group vehemently denied these allegations, calling them “offensive and untrue.” Regardless, the organic public engagement and record-breaking statistics underscore the track’s undeniable impact within the hip-hop landscape and popular music.
’30 for 30′ and the GNX Phenomenon
In stark contrast to the solo, battle-driven success of “Not Like Us,” the re-entry of “30 for 30,” Lamar’s collaboration with SZA, highlights his prowess in collective artistry and strategic album releases. This track, featured on SZA’s acclaimed reissue album Lana (released January 7, 2025), quickly ascended to No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and debuted atop the Hot R&B Songs chart. Its success is a testament to the potent chemistry between Lamar and SZA, who have a longstanding history of successful collaborations, including “Luther” and “All the Stars.”
“30 for 30” benefits significantly from the broader phenomenon of Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, GNX, which was surprise-released in November 2024. GNX itself has been a commercial and critical juggernaut, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 319,000 album-equivalent units and logging the biggest streaming week for any hip-hop or R&B album of 2024. The album’s dominance was so profound that all 12 of its songs debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, with five tracks—including “Squabble Up,” “Luther” (featuring SZA), “TV Off” (featuring Lefty Gunplay), “Wacced Out Murals,” and “Hey Now”—simultaneously occupying the entire top five. This achievement made Lamar only the fifth artist in history to monopolize the premier spots on the Hot 100.
The album’s continued success is evident in its longevity, becoming the longest-running No. 1 album to top Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart, holding the position for 22 weeks and breaking Pop Smoke’s previous record. The subsequent Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance by Lamar and SZA, followed by their co-headlining Grand National Tour in 2025, further propelled GNX and Lamar’s entire discography into the spotlight, leading to substantial surges in streams and sales across his catalog.
Which Triumph Is More Impressive?
The question of which streaming feat is more impressive boils down to different metrics of impact. “Not Like Us” represents an extraordinary moment of raw, unbridled lyrical power and cultural zeitgeist. Its ability to command the music charts, break long-standing streaming records for a solo hip-hop track, and maintain its longevity speaks volumes about its immediate and enduring cultural relevance, largely fueled by the high-profile rap feud. This song became a rallying cry and a definitive headline in the rap world, solidifying Lamar’s position as a lyrical heavyweight and a master of the diss track.
Conversely, the success of “30 for 30” is intertwined with the meticulously crafted and massively successful GNX album, alongside SZA’s considerable star power. This highlights Lamar’s versatility and strategic approach to music releases. The album’s ability to place all its tracks on the Hot 100 and dominate the R&B/Hip-Hop charts for an extended period showcases a broader, more sustained market saturation. It’s a testament to Lamar’s artistic vision beyond a single event, proving his capacity to deliver a cohesive body of work that resonates deeply and maintains a powerful presence on the charts.
Ultimately, both achievements are profoundly impressive but for different reasons. “Not Like Us” is a testament to the visceral, immediate power of a culturally charged hip-hop single, capable of transcending typical chart patterns due to its viral and social significance. “30 for 30,” as part of the GNX ecosystem, underscores Lamar’s sustained artistic excellence and commercial dominance through a comprehensive album experience. Together, these tracks paint a picture of an artist at the peak of his powers, able to command attention through both explosive singles and critically acclaimed, commercially successful albums.
A Lasting Legacy in Music
Kendrick Lamar’s current chart performance reaffirms his unparalleled standing in the music landscape. His consistent ability to generate massive streaming numbers, coupled with his critical acclaim and loyal fanbase, ensures his continued relevance. The simultaneous chart presence of both new and older tracks, alongside multiple albums like DAMN. and good kid, m.A.A.d city that consistently appear on Billboard charts, demonstrates a legacy that transcends fleeting trends. His influence on hip-hop is undeniable, setting new benchmarks for artistic integrity and commercial success. As his discography continues to resonate and break records, Kendrick Lamar solidifies his place as one of the most impactful and enduring artists of his generation.
